Mariners
IN PHOTO: May 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Rickie Weeks (25) and Nelson Cruz (23) and Dustin Ackley (13) celebrate after their 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. REUTERS/ Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners said Monday they were releasing veteran Rickie Weeks, who was signed in the offseason to serve as Robinson Cano’s backup.

The 32-year-old outfielder, who was designated for assignment last week, has struggled this season, with a .167 batting average in 37 games and, on 84 at bats, with nine RBIs and two home runs.

Weeks, who played for 11 seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers before going to Seattle, signed a $2 million contract with the Mariners in the offseason.

Weeks made the MLB All-Star squad in 2011 and has career numbers of .247 batting average, 150 home runs and 439 RBIs. Seattle recalled 26-year-old outfielder James Jones from Triple-A Tacoma to fill the roster spot created by the Weeks’ release. Jones, his first 10 weeks with Tacoma batted .264 with 15 stolen bases in 48 games.

The Mariners are currently in fourth place of the West Division of the American League with a 32-38 record so far this season.

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